REGULAR MEETING
LEVY COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
DECEMBER 8, 2015
The Regular Meeting of the Board of Levy County Commissioners was held on December 8, 2015 at 9:00 A.M. in the Levy County Board of County Commissioners meeting room with the following Commissioners present:
Chairman John Meeks
Comm. Rock Meeks
Comm. Danny Stevens
Comm. Lilly Rooks
Comm. Mike Joyner
Also present were:
County Attorney – Anne Bast Brown
County Coordinator – Fred Moody
Chairman John Meeks called the Meeting to order at 9:03 A.M. Comm. Rock Meeks gave the invocation, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
EXPENDITURES
Comm. Stevens made a motion to approve the following expenditures presented for payment. Second was made by Comm. Joyner and the MOTION CARRIES.
| CHECK NUMBER | 121844-22036 |
| FUND | AMOUNT |
| GENERAL REVENUE | 1,546,557.85 |
| ROAD | 114,034.76 |
| SHIP | 14,704.92 |
| PAL LIBRARY | 17,602.75 |
| TRANSPORTATION | 1,961.41 |
| 911 | 39,042.43 |
| COURT FACILITIES | 4,925.00 |
| EMS | 81,095.73 |
| FIRE | 12,164.23 |
| TOURIST DEVELOPMENT | 800.83 |
| UTILITIES | 1,270.72 |
| DRUG TASK FORCE | 339.59 |
| LANDFILL | 13,924.11 |
| TOTAL | $1,848,424.33 |
MINUTES
The minutes for the Regular Board meeting held on October 6, 2015 were presented for Board approval.
Comm. Rock Meeks made a motion to approve the minutes for the Regular Board meeting held on October 6, 2015 as presented. Second was made by Comm. Joyner and the MOTION CARRIES.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Renate Cannon spoke to the Board regarding the Department of Public Safety benefits such as pay increases, insurance and retirement eligibility and cost of fuel for Chief Knowles’ vehicle.
Chief Knowles stated raises are not something he can comment on as they are still in Union negotiations at this time.
Mr. Moody advised Mrs. Cannon the Department of Public Safety full-time employees are eligible for the same insurance and retirement benefits as all other Board employees. Mr. Moody also stated the Board covers the fuel expense for all County vehicles and he would be happy to speak with Mrs. Cannon further if she would like to stop by his office later.
PUBLIC HEARING
Bill Hammond, Development Director
Atty. Brown swore in any members of the audience wishing to speak for or against the petitions being presented.
Comm. John Meeks asked if there was any ex-parte communication with any of the Commissioners. Comm. Stevens stated he had ex-parte communication regarding one of the petitions.
- Darlene H. Geiger, petitioning the Board for a Hardship Variance 15-06, to allow a second dwelling in order for her granddaughter to help care for her.
Mr. Hammond requested Board approval of Hardship Variance Ha.Va. 15-06 by petitioner Darlene H. Geiger to allow a second dwelling in order for her granddaughter to help care for her.
Comm. Rock Meeks made a motion to approve Hardship Variance Ha.Va. 15-06 as presented. Second was made by Comm. Joyner and the MOTION CARRIES.
- Ken and Karen Arnold, petition the Board for a Hardship Variance 15-07, to allow a second dwelling in order to care for her mother and sister.
Mr. Hammond requested Board approval of Hardship Variance Ha.Va. 15-07 by petitioners Ken and Karen Arnold to allow a second dwelling in order to care Mrs. Arnold’s mother and sister.
Comm. Stevens made a motion to approve Hardship Variance Ha.Va. 15-07 as presented. Second was made by Comm. Rooks and the MOTION CARRIES.
PUBLIC HEARING
Anne Bast Brown, County Attorney
Adopt an Ordinance amending noise regulations.
Atty. Brown requested Board approval of Ordinance 2015-09 amending the County Code for Noise Regulations pointing out items within the ordinance addressing the concerns spoken of previously. The Ordinance title was read into public record.
Comm. John Meeks asked if there was anyone in the audience wishing to speak for or against the amendments to the Ordinance as presented.
Members of the audience who spoke regarding the Ordinance were: Renate Cannon and Art Maruna.
Comm. Joyner made a motion to approve Ordinance 2015-09 as presented. Second was made by Comm. Stevens and the MOTION CARRIES.
COLLEGE OF CENTRAL FLORIDA
Rob Batsel
Updates on the College of Central Florida, Jack Wilkinson Levy Campus.
Mr. Batsel gave an update to the Board regarding the College of Central Florida, Jack Wilkinson Levy Campus in Chiefland, FL. He along with Marilyn Latner and Katie Hunt provided information of the progress being made at the campus location North of Chiefland and explained the future plans of how the campus will look once completed. If all goes well, the campus is expected to open in August of 2017.
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
COUNTY COORDINATOR
Fred Moody
A. Request direction on non-payment of fees by Mr. Robert Nichols, Country Music Fest Event.
Mr. Moody requested direction from the Board concerning the non-payment of fees by Mr. Robert Nichols regarding the Country Music Fest Event. Mr. Moody stated the reduced amount of $910.00 agreed upon by the Board has not been paid and he reminded them Mr. Nichols had stopped payment on the original check in the amount of $2,730.00.
After discussion, Comm. Stevens rescinded his earlier motion to accept the amount of $910.00 and to legally pursue the original amount of $2,730.00, included any additional costs which may incur in this effort. Second was made by Comm. Joyner and the MOTION CARRIES.
B. Presenting proposal of hauling un-stabilized sludge to A-Able Septic’s BTF for processing and land application.
Mr. Moody requested Board approval of the proposal for the hauling of un-stabilized sludge to A-Able Septic’s BTF for processing and land application at the rate of $175.00 per hour as per the proposal received.
After discussion, Comm. Stevens made a motion to table this item until bids can be received. Second was made by Comm. Rock Meeks and the MOTION CARRIES.
C. Requesting approval to donate asset number 4899 (Chevy Cavalier) to the Alachua County Health Department.
Mr. Moody requested Board approval to donate Asset No. 4899 (1995 Chevy Cavalier) to the Alachua County Health Department.
Comm. Rock Meeks made a motion to approve the donation of Asset No. 4899 (1995 Chevy Cavalier) to the Alachua County Health Department as requested. Second was made by Comm. Joyner and the MOTION CARRIES.
HUMAN RESOURCES
Jacqueline Martin, Manager
Presenting proposed Worxtime Service Agreement for reporting requirements of the Affordable Care Act.
Mrs. Martin presented the proposed Worxtime Service Agreement for reporting requirements of the Affordable Care Act and explained what it includes.
Comm. Stevens made a motion to approve the Worxtime Service Agreement as presented. Second was made by Comm. Rock Meeks and the MOTION CARRIRES.
LEVY COUNTY TRANSIT
Connie Conley, General Manager
A. Requesting approval of Resolution 2015-58 authorizing the signing and submission of grant application Section U.S.C. 5311 for Operational Funds in the amount of $300,000.00. The match for this grant is 50/50.
Mrs. Conley requested Board approval of Resolution 2015-58 authorizing the signing and submission of grant application Section U.S.C. 5311 for Operational funds. Mrs. Conley stated this is a 50/50 grant in the amount of $300,000.
Comm. Stevens made a motion to approve Resolution 2015-58 as presented. Second was made by Comm. Joyner and the MOTION CARRIES.
- Requesting approval of Resolution 2015-59 authorizing the signing and submission of grant application Section U.S.C. 5339 for Capital Funding in the amount of $157,348.00 for two 23’ wheelchair accessible busses. The purchase price of the busses will be paid up front and reimbursement will be 100%.
Mrs. Conley requested Board approval of Resolution 2015-59 authorizing the signing and submission of grant application Section U.S.C. 5339 for capital funding. Mrs. Conley stated this is a 100% reimbursable grant in the amount of $157,348 which will be used to purchase two (2) 23’ wheelchair busses.
Comm. Stevens made a motion to approve Resolution 2015-59 as presented. Second was made by Comm. Rock Meeks and the MOTION CARRIES.
PUBLIC SAFETY
David Knowles, Director
A. Requesting approval from the Board and Chairman’s signature for the annual County Award Grant for the improvement and expansion of EMS services as well as adoption of Resolution 2015-61.
Chief Knowles requested Board approval of Resolution 2015-61 and the Chairman’s signature for the annual County Award Grant for the improvement and expansion of EMS services. The amount of the grant is $4,691 and these funds will be utilized to provide EMS training to County Emergency Responders.
Comm. Stevens made a motion to approve Resolution 2015-61 and the Chairman’s signature on the annual County Award Grant as presented. Second was made by Comm. Joyner and the MOTION CARRIES.
B. Request approval from the Board and the Chairman’s signature for Amendment 2 between Levy County and Town of Inglis for fire services.
Chief Knowles requested Board approval and the Chairman’s signature for Amendment 2 between Levy County and the Town of Inglis for fire services. This Amendment will obligate the Town of Inglis to cover Fire Districts 1 and 2.
Comm. Stevens made a motion to approve Amendment 2 between Levy County and the Town of Inglis with the Chairman’s signature as presented. Second was made by Comm. Rock Meeks and the MOTION CARRIES.
C. Request approval from the Board and the Chairman’s signature for Amendment 2 between Levy County and Williston for fire services.
Chief Knowles requested Board approval and the Chairman’s signature for Amendment 2 between Levy County and the City of Williston for fire services. This Amendment will obligate the City of Williston to provide first response fire services to Fire District 10 and “additional coverage area.”
Comm. Stevens made a motion to approve Amendment 2 between Levy County and the City of Williston with the Chairman’s signature as presented. Second was made by Comm. Joyner and the MOTION CARRIES.
ROAD DEPARTMENT
Casey Duquette
Presenting proposal and information regarding culvert replacement in Inglis, “Butler Road”.
Mr. Duquette presented information to the Board regarding culvert replacement in Inglis, “Butler Road” stating the estimated cost is $106,388.55 and this is not a budgeted item. Mr. Duquette spoke of the expense of renting a piece of equipment which would be needed for this job which the Road Department does not have and the comparison of the cost of purchasing the equipment. Mr. Duquette stated he will check with the County Grants Coordinator to see if there are any grants available.
Comments were made by Mayor Weiss of Inglis, Renate Cannon and Terry Witt.
Comm. Joyner made a motion to direct Atty. Brown to send a letter to the Florida Department of Transportation requesting funding assistance with this project. Second was made by Comm. Stevens and the MOTION CARRIES.
TOURIST DEVELOPMENT
Carol McQueen, Director
Request approval of agreement between the Conservation Fund and Levy County Board of County Commissioners for $20,000.00 for the production of a Shellfish Trail Map, kick-off advertising campaign, and website map.
Mrs. McQueen requested Board approval of the agreement between the Conservation Fund and the Levy County Board of County Commissioners in the amount of $20,000.00 for the production of a Shellfish Trail Map to include clams, oysters, pink shrimp, recreational scallop harvesting, blue crab and stone crab for the coastal communities of Levy, Dixie, Taylor and Jefferson counties within the Big Bend region of Florida. This will be the first regional Shellfish Map in Florida.
Comm. Rooks made a motion to approve the agreement between the Conservation Fund and Levy County Board of County Commissioners as presented. Second was made by Comm. Joyner and the MOTION CARRIES.
NON-AGENDA ITEM
Comm. John Meeks asked if Sheriff McCallum would like to speak to the Board.
Sheriff McCallum stated the Sheriff’s Department was returning to the Board a check in the amount of $178,678.46, but stated there will be a need in the near future for a new 911 Dispatch center.
Comm. John Meeks asked if the Board would consider hearing a non-agenda item.
Comm. Stevens made a motion to hear a non-agenda item. Second was made by Comm. Joyner and the MOTION CARRIES.
Comm. Stevens made a motion to earmark the money returned to the Board from the Sheriff’s Department for a Capital Building project of building a new 911 Dispatch Center. Second was made by Comm. Joyner and the MOTION CARRIES.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mr. Lipmann of the Town of Williston announced Williston will be hosting Joel Chandler who will be doing a seminar on Public Records Requests on January 28th from 9:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M.
Ron Grant thanked John MacDonald for the work done through Emergency Management regarding ham radio operation in Levy County.
Atty. Brown spoke to the Board advising them of the discussion she had with Mr. Moody regarding law enforcement options for the matter with Mr. Nichols.
The Board agreed by consensus for staff to look into law enforcement options in the matter.
Toni Collins informed everyone the Levy County Historical Society has purchased the caboose on the way to the Waccasassa boat ramp and would like to develop it into a Levy County Welcome Center, moving it to where the Wild Hog Canoe Race ends. She also invited everyone to attend the Writer’s Festival this Saturday in Sumner.
COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS
Appoint Chairman and Vice Chairman and Vice-Chairman for 2015-16.
Comm. Joyner made a motion to re-appoint Comm. John Meeks as Chairman and Comm. Joyner as Vice-Chairman for 2016. Second was made by Comm. Stevens and the MOTION CARRIES.
Comm. John Meeks
Adopt Resolution 2015-62 withdrawing membership in North Florida Broadband Authority and rescinding prior Resolutions 2009-41, 2010-71 and 2013-10 related to such Authority.
Stu Willaker from the Columbia County Observer spoke regarding the North Florida Broadband Authority.
Comm. Joyner made a motion to approve Resolution 2015-62 as presented. Second was made by Comm. Rock Meeks and the MOTION CARRIES.
The Commissioners discussed filling Bruce Greenlee’s position at the Road Department and agreed to postpone filling the position at this time.
Comm. Stevens announced the Williston Church of God will be performing a Christmas cantata next Saturday and Sunday. He also reported the Williston Christmas parade went well this past Saturday.
Comm. John Meeks reminded everyone of the Chiefland Christmas festival and the Inglis Christmas Parade coming up on December 12th and reported of the Fanning Springs boat parade as well as the Wreaths Across America ceremony also planned for December 12th at Rosemary Hill Cemetary in Bronson.
Comm. John Meeks reported he had attended the Department of Public Safety’s Firefighter I Ceremony held on Friday night.
The meeting recessed at 12:25 P.M.
The meeting reconvened at 12:35 P.M.
IMPACT FEE WORKSHOP
Heather J. Encinosa, Nabors, Giblin & Nickerson
Jim Duncan, Duncan Associates
Amending Chapter 47 of Levy County Code Ordinances
Jim Duncan, President of Duncan Associates spoke to the Board regarding Amending Chapter 47 of the Levy County Code Ordinances.
Heather Encinosa of Nabors, Giblin & Nickerson also spoke to the Board and presented a draft for Board review. She suggested bringing it back at a Public Hearing to adopt after any changes are made.
The Board agreed they will conduct a Public Hearing in February on a date to be determined later.
THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS TO COME BEFORE THE COMMISSION, THE MEETING ADJOURNED AT 1:51 P.M.
ATTEST: BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
LEVY COUNTY, FL
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Clerk of Court, Danny J. Shipp Chairman, John Meeks